Smokescreens And Balconies
1383 Words
Kevin’s POV
Lindon had invited us to a barbeque at the Spectre mansion, a place I hadn't set foot in for two years. Henry, usually the first to offer his services, flatly refused to go. I’d offered him vacations before, but he always kept it simple: "My vacation is here at home, son."
Still, he was the one behind the wheel of the sleek black SUV, driving us toward the gates I used to guard. I was willing to bury the hatchet with Alexa, if only for the sake of our brothers. I realized now how much I’d hurt Lindon by vanishing without a word.
"We are here, Master Kevin," Henry said as we pulled up the long, familiar drive. Kyle was vibrating with excitement beside me. Henry had disappeared for an hour earlier today and come back without a word. I didn't push him on where he’d been. "Thanks, Henry."
"You’re welcome, Mr. Blackwood. If anything happens, call me. I’ll be here in a blink of an eye."
"Come on, Henry," I chuckled, checking my reflection one last time. "I won't allow anything to happen to us. I promise to behave for their sake. However, if I’m provoked—"
"If you are provoked," Henry cut me off, his gaze sharp in the rearview mirror, "leave. Or call me to come get you. Don't do anything you’ll regret later."
"I’ll keep that in mind."
As he drove off, a flood of memories rushed over me. The marble foyer, the scent of expensive lilies, the weight of the holster I used to wear. Lindon greeted us immediately, playing the perfect host, keeping us by his side as the backyard filled with about thirty guests.
Then, she appeared. Austin called out the introductions, and Alexa stepped onto the patio. She looked every bit the high-society titan, ladylike, poised, and devastatingly beautiful. She moved with a grace that made power look effortless, her spine straight and her expression a mask of cool indifference. Beside her was some guy attached to her hip like a second skin. Staring at them, I felt a sharp, unexpected pang in my heart.
"Let the barbeque begin!" Lindon announced. He looked genuinely happy, glancing at Kyle with a dreaminess that made me feel like an intruder in their youth.
"Kevin Blackwood? Long time no see."
I turned to see Rebecca Normans.
"Rebecca. You’re looking well." She was a friend of Alexa’s, and she was stunning, but I barely noticed. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Alexa’s jaw clench and unclench as she watched us.
"I never thought I’d see you here again, Kevin," Rebecca smiled.
"That makes two of us, Rebs," Alexa said, appearing beside us with her date, a polished model type. "Hi, Rebecca."
She was looking for a reaction, the same way she had at the ice cream shop. But tonight, I was on my best behavior.
"Hi, Alex," I said smoothly. She glared at me, clearly annoyed by my composure.
"Rebecca, hi. This is my boyfriend, Kyle. Kevin’s brother," Lindon introduced.
"Kev’s brother? Gosh, you are a beautiful being," Rebecca gushed. Kyle blushed a deep crimson, looking completely taken aback. "Nice to meet you, Kyle. FYI, never get involved in the madness between these two," she gestured between Alexa and me, "or you’ll get caught in the crossfire."
I smirked. "Or before I forget, Alex, who’s your date?"
"Desmond. I’m a model," the guy said, sticking his hand out. Everyone looked at him except Lindon, who just stared at me with a look of pure pity.
"Blackwood. A word," Alexa commanded. I ignored her, turning back to Rebecca. "Kevin, I said a word."
"I’m a little busy right now, Alexa. Catching up with Rebecca. Maybe she’ll introduce me to a friend later; I might need a companion for the evening."
Her jaw tightened so hard I thought a tooth might c***k. Then her phone rang, and she stormed away toward the house.
"You know you just made her lose it, right?" Rebecca whispered. "Go talk to her."
"Tonight is about Lindon, Rebecca."
"Kevin. Go."
I sighed and followed her. I found her on the secluded second-floor balcony, overlooking the party. I waited until she ended her call before clearing my throat.
She spun around, and before I could blink, she had a compact pistol leveled at my chest. The click of the hammer c*****g echoed in the quiet air.
"Alex, what the hell are you doing?" I asked, my voice low and steady despite the adrenaline. "What are you even doing with a gun?"
"It’ll be better to kill you before you kill me," she whispered, her hand trembling slightly.
"Put it away before someone gets hurt. You’re being paranoid."
"Am I? So you can overpower me with your Army training? Kill me with your bare hands?"
"Are you stupid?" I asked in disbelief. "If it makes you feel powerful, go ahead. Shoot me. Is this why you wanted a 'word'?"
"I want you to leave us alone! Stop using Lindon against me!"
"For a CEO, you sound incredibly dumb," I snapped, stepping closer despite the barrel pointed at my heart. "I don't need to use anyone. Lindon was like a little brother to me. They are in love. Accept it."
"I’m not taking that chance."
"Alexa," I said, my voice softening as I closed the gap.
"Stop! I’ll shoot, I’m not joking!"
"Then shoot me, Alex. If I die by your hand, maybe you’ll finally have peace."
Her shoulders slumped. The fire in her eyes died out, replaced by a haunting exhaustion. "Please, Kevin..."
I reached out, gently taking the gun from her limp fingers and setting it on the stone railing. My hands seemed to have a mind of their own. I cupped her face, forcing her to look at me. She opened her mouth to protest, but no words came out.
"I would never hurt your family," I whispered.
I didn't think. I just acted. I leaned down and pressed my lips to hers. Alexa gasped, tensing for a heartbeat before she melted, her hands clutching at my shirt as she kissed me back with a desperation that burned. It was electric—a shock that ran from my skull to my toes.
We parted, both of us gasping for air. Her chest was heaving, her eyes wide and dark. Before I could say a word, she lunged at me again, kissing me fiercely only to pull back a second later and deliver a stinging slap across my face.
The c***k echoed. My cheek burned.
"Leave us alone," she choked out, her voice cracking. "Go be with your girlfriend. I’m not some experiment for someone who doesn't even know what he want in this life."
"Goodnight, Alexa," I said, my voice thick with a mix of pain and sincerity. "I would never harm you or Lindon. Not for anything in this world. Goodbye."
I walked away, my heart a lead weight in my chest. On the way down, I ran into Austin.
"Kevin? You guys sorted?"
"No. If I were you, I’d stay close to her tonight. Just watch over her." I paused. "And Austin... thank you. For everything you’ve done for her."
"But our agreement..."
"Not tonight, Austin. Just watch over, can you do that?"
"Yes, sir."
I found the group outside. "Lindon, thanks for the night, but I have to go. Kyle, stay as long as you want, as long as you come home pure."
Rebecca laughed as the boys turned red. "I’ll take care of him, Kevin," Lindon promised.
"Better not," I winked.
"Kev, why are you leaving so early?" Kyle whined.
"Paperwork. And a client who needs me personally tomorrow morning."
I felt a gaze burning into my back from the balcony above, but I didn't dare turn around. I had already texted Henry. I needed to get out of there before I did something else I couldn't take back.
- Writer
